Primary Areas of Focus

• Recruitment (i.e. increasing awareness of and/or stimulating interest in health profession careers and degree programs
• Academic preparation (e.g., increasing STEM knowledge
• Retention or completion of health professions degree programs (support for those currently enrolled)

Desired Outcomes

Academic Growth: Scholars strengthen math and science skills through year-round academic enrichment and summer coursework. Indicator: Improved performance in ALEKS mastery levels, classroom assessments, and academic persistence. College & Career Readiness: Scholars build the knowledge and confidence to navigate college admissions and identify STEMM pathways. Indicator: 100% of program completers apply to college; 85% or more pursue a STEMM-related major. Leadership & Personal Development: Scholars develop communication, teamwork, and leadership skills through mentorship and community engagement. Indicator: Participation in leadership roles, presentations, or community projects during the program. STEMM Exposure & Engagement: Scholars gain hands-on experience with STEMM fields through labs, research activities, and professional site visits. Indicator: Scholar feedback showing increased interest and understanding of STEMM careers. Equity & Access: Increase representation of students from under-resourced schools and communities in STEMM education pipelines. Indicator: Enrollment demographics reflect target populations across Illinois.

Program Location

Settings: In-person

In-person location: Lewis University, Romeoville + Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago

Timing

Duration: July 4, 2026 - August 8, 2026 (5-weeks) + Monthly Academic Year Programming

Time periods: Weekends, Summer, During the academic year, Other (please specify): (In-person on the 2nd/3rd Saturday of the month.)

Program Components

• Academic instruction (e.g. coursework)
  CPASS STEMM Scholars Academy provides hands-on academic enrichment in math, science, and STEMM disciplines. Scholars take college-style courses during the five-week Summer Academy and continue learning through monthly Saturday sessions focused on math mastery, leadership, and college readiness.
• Academic skills development (e.g. study skills, test-taking
  The CPASS STEMM Scholars Academy strengthens core academic skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, writing, and communication. Scholars build study habits, time management, and note-taking strategies that support success in both high school and college-level STEMM coursework.
• Academic support (e.g. tutoring, progress monitoring)
  The CPASS STEMM Scholars Academy provides ongoing academic support through tutoring, mentoring, and small-group instruction. Scholars receive guidance from teaching assistants, faculty, and staff who help reinforce course content, strengthen math skills, and develop effective study habits throughout the summer and academic year.
• Application guidance/support (e.g. standardized test prep)
  The CPASS STEMM Scholars Academy offers individualized guidance to help students navigate the application process. Scholars receive step-by-step support through virtual info sessions, email reminders, and one-on-one meetings with staff to ensure all materials are completed and submitted successfully.
• Health career exploration (e.g. job shadowing, career fairs)
  The CPASS STEMM Scholars Academy exposes students to diverse STEMM career pathways through hands-on learning, guest speakers, site visits, and mentorship from industry professionals. Scholars gain insight into real-world applications of STEMM fields and develop a clearer sense of their future goals.
• Mentoring (e.g. pairing with current health profession student)
  The CPASS STEMM Scholars Academy provides mentorship through college students pursuing STEMM degrees and university professors who teach within the program. Together, they offer academic guidance, relatable mentorship, and professional insight—helping Scholars strengthen their confidence, skills, and sense of belonging in STEMM fields.
• Networking (with others who have similar health career interests)
  During the five-week Summer Residential Academy, Scholars participate in weekly Networking Nights that bring together STEMM professionals, college faculty, and mentors across diverse industries. These sessions allow Scholars to engage in meaningful dialogue, gain career insights, and practice professional communication in an authentic, supportive environment.
• Professional skills development (e.g. teamwork, ethical conduct)
  
• Research experience (e.g. summer program)
  The CPASS STEMM Scholars Academy’s STEMM Bootcamp immerses Scholars in hands-on, project-based research each summer. Working collaboratively in small groups, Scholars integrate lessons from their Math, Science, and Communications courses to design, test, and refine an original prototype that addresses a real-world challenge. Guided by college professors and STEMM mentors, students apply the full research cycle—from inquiry and experimentation to analysis and presentation—culminating in a formal showcase of their prototypes during the Academy’s Closing Exhibition.

Affiliated Programs

Scholars are able to flow into our Chicago Area Health and Medical Careers Program™(CAHMCP) program if they are interested in entering medical school.

Affiliated Organizations and Networks

N/A

Apply here

Application Timeline

Deadline: February 27, 2026

Eligibility Criteria

• Academic
  
• Underrepresented racial and/or ethnic background
  
• Socio-economically disadvantaged
  
• Educationally disadvantaged (e.g., first-generation college students)
  
• LGBTQIA+ identifying
  

GPA: Must have a minimum current GPA of 3.2 or equivalent​ Grade Level: 9th at the time of application ​ Math Skills: must have completed or be currently enrolled in Algebra I by the end of freshman year and plan to take Geometry or Algebra II during their sophomore year.​

Required Application Documents

• Application Form
  
• Essay
  
• Transcripts
  
• Letters of Recommendation
  

Program Costs

Tuition-free